Segmented Fastener Leg Design for Reduced Insertion Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fasteners require significant force to bend and insert into mounting holes due to the proximity of fulcrum points and load points, making it difficult to easily attach them to vehicle body panels.
Innovation Solution
A fastener design featuring elastic first and second leg portions connected by a connecting portion, with a head portion and flange for easy pressing and engagement, allowing the leg portions to be easily bent and inserted into mounting holes with reduced press force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the leg pieces are made to engage with the mounting hole back side close to the top plate portion (to adapt to panel thickness variations), then the fastener can accommodate different panel thicknesses, but the leg pieces become difficult to bend and insert due to short lever arm length
Solution Approach 1:
The leg pieces are divided into multiple segments: a first leg piece with first engagement portion, a second leg piece with second engagement portion, and an intermediate leg piece connecting them. This segmentation allows the engagement portions to be positioned close to the top plate for panel adaptability, while the intermediate leg piece provides sufficient length for easy bending and insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener structure extends in multiple dimensions: the engagement portions engage with the mounting hole back side close to the top plate (one dimension), while the intermediate leg piece extends downward providing lever arm length in the vertical dimension, resolving the contradiction between position and length.
2Ease of operation
If the leg pieces are made long to facilitate bending and insertion, then the ease of operation improves, but the engagement portions must be positioned far from the top plate portion, reducing adaptability to panel thickness variations
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the leg structure into multiple pieces with different functions, the invention achieves both long overall length for ease of operation and close engagement portion positioning for adaptability. The intermediate leg piece specifically provides the necessary length without compromising the engagement portion positioning.
3Ease of manufacture
If the fastener uses a monolithic construction (single piece), then the manufacturing simplicity improves, but the structural flexibility and ease of insertion deteriorate due to insufficient leg piece length
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is constructed from multiple separate leg pieces rather than a monolithic structure. This segmentation provides the necessary structural flexibility and lever arm length for easy insertion, while still maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for each individual component.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The fastener can be easily inserted into mounting holes with reduced required force, facilitating attachment and improving the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
a first leg portion (24) having elasticity; a second leg portion (26) having elasticity
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener includes: a first leg part; a second leg part; a coupling part coupling one ends of the first leg part and the second leg part; a first head part and a second head part which are provided with a flange for engaging with a front-side edge of an attachment hole, and a pressing surface for a user to press, and which are provided to other ends of the first leg part and the second leg part; and a screw hole formed in the second head part, and into which a screw member is screwed. The first leg part includes a first engagement part capable of engaging with a rear-side edge of the attachment hole. The second leg part includes a second engagement part capable of engaging with the rear-side edge of the attachment hole.